Get a Mental Edge Over Menopause – Menopause Mental Health

When you reach menopause, it can feel like your body is totally out of control. With menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and anxiety, it may feel like menopause completely rules your life. It may feel like a whole other entity has taken over your body and you are no longer yourself. Even though it’s a natural part of every woman’s life, going through this physical change can leave you feeling depressed and out of control. But don’t let menopause get the better of you. Yes, your body is behaving in a new way, but that doesn’t mean your inner being has changed. Nor do menopause symptoms really rule your life. With some creative mental activities that involve pen and paper, your emotional reaction to menopause and menopause symptoms can change. So grab a fun notebook, your favorite pen and get comfortable. You’re about to take control of your menopause mental health and show menopause who is really in charge.

Find Your Edge: Menopause Mental Health Checklist

Remember Why You Love Being A Woman

Make a list of all the reasons you love being a woman. Your ideas can originate from the external and the internal. Perhaps you really enjoy fashion and all the creative ways women can dress, from slacks to skirts, flats to heels. Or perhaps you’re more introspective and really appreciate the ability of women to hook into and understand their emotions more easily than men. Maybe you feel women are more sensitive to others or have the superpower to run a business and a family. Maybe the simple joys of motherhood are what you love most. Once your list is complete, sit back and read through it. None of these things have changed just because you get hot flashes and night sweats. Menopause symptoms do not invalidate your femininity and the joys you’ve experienced as a woman.

Look At The Positive Side Of Menopause

Surprised? Well, there are positives to going through menopause. Make another list. You no longer have to deal with your period and cramps once a month. You don’t have to carry tampons around with you. You don’t have to worry about getting pregnant. If you’re in a monogamous relationship, you don’t need birth control anymore. Plus, there are ways to relieve menopause symptoms like mood swings and anxiety. Regular exercise and healthy eating habits can help you feel your best during this time of change. So, see? There’s always something to smile about.

Mentally Control Menopause Symptoms

This is the equivalent of an internal pep rally to take control of menopause mental health. List each of your symptoms either before or after a positive control statement like, “Hot flashes are no match for me” or “I will crush night sweats with my attitude.” Consider yourself powerful, like a superhero, who can handle anything that comes her way…even your menopause symptoms. Visualize yourself as a kind of superhero, destroying each symptom that bothers you. Have fun with this! The mind is more powerful than you think.

Post your lists where you will see them often. Doing these kinds of writing exercises will help you feel empowered and energized rather than depressed and lethargic. When you tackle menopause from a position of mental strength, you give yourself a powerful edge. Coping with menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and anxiety will become much easier. Begin from within and you’ll see that menopause does not rule your life – you do.